Danny Collins hopes his fledgling international career is about to take off as Wales prepare for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Austria.

The Sunderland centre-back won his first cap as a substitute in last month's friendly against Hungary in Cardiff.

He will be back at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow as Wales take on the Austrians ahead of next Wednesday's return trip to Vienna.

Collins said: "It is great to be part of the squad again and this time I feel a little bit more at home and a little less overawed than the first time I was called up.

"My aim is to become a regular in the Welsh squad but - just like at Sunderland - it is a difficult side to get into because there are so many quality players pushing for a place in the starting 11.

"On my Welsh debut I was a substitute and delighted to get on in the second half and have a run out. I will be just as pleased if it is a case of same again."

Collins has proved himself a dependable member of Mick McCarthy's Sunderland, making 10 appearances in the Black Cats' Championship campaign since his move from Chester City in October.

However, the form of Gary Breen and Steve Caldwell has meant he has spent a lot of time on the subs' bench.

He said: "I know I have not had much first-team action recently but I am not down about it.

"I think I have come a long way in a short time and I appreciate there are plenty of players ahead of me.

"I started the season back in August playing for a side near the bottom of League Two.

"Here I am in March part of a squad which is top of the Championship and could be in the Premiership next season.

"On top of that, I have also been capped for Wales, so that is not bad progress is it?

"It might not look outstanding to be on the bench but you have to get everything in perspective - there are something like nine defenders in this squad, so if I am one of the substitutesI think I will have done really well.

"If I can get another run-out that will be fantastic."

When Collins returns from international duty he will immediately begin preparing for Sunderland's trip to QPR next Saturday as the Wearsiders resume their promotion campaign.

Championship leaders Sunderland travel to Loftus Road on the back of six successive wins and McCarthy's men are closing in on promotion with just seven games left.

Collins said: "The atmosphere around the club at the moment is fantastic.

"Everyone is up for the run-in and we are confident we can keep a good run going between now and the end of the season."